Memories of USAF

Artist Chris Rodenburg from Soest has designed three extraordinary panels for the park that is to be laid on the roof of the tunnel over the Amersfoortsestraat. The panels will show representations which include the aircraft that the Americans flew at Soesterberg, the F-86 Sabre, F -00 Super Sabre, Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom and the F-15 Eagle. In addition there will be representations of Americans shopping, taking part in sports or enjoying a barbecue.

This decorative addition to the more than 200 metre long, green flyover is a reminder of the presence of the United States Air Force on part of Soesterberg Air Base, Camp New Amsterdam (CNA). A number of residents of Soesterberg formed the Soesterberg Air force Memorial Foundation (SAM) and have worked towards fulfilling the plan for a memorial. With the co-operation of the Soest Town Council and the Royal Netherlands Air Force there will even be an aircraft to be seen, possibly a Cougar Helicopter.

This will be the second aircraft that will be placed in Soesterberg, the birthplace of Dutch and military aviation. Recently a replica of the Brik aircraft was placed at the centre of the Tammer roundabout on the Amersfoortsestraat, the Brik was built by aviation pioneer Marinus van Meel in 1913. The Brik was the first aircraft of the Army Aviation Deapartment.

MemorialThe SAM Foundation saw an excellent opportunity to place a monument in the park that was to be laid, a memorial to the American presence in Soesterberg. The airfield was a NATO base of the American 32nd Fighter Squadron from 1954 till 1994. A completely new housing estate was built for the Americans, unique in the Netherlands and probably in Europe. The end of the Cold War has a very special meaning for Soesterberg, this is taking form in the park.

Planning On Monday 18th September 2017 preparatory work for the laying of the park was started. This will be carried out by KWS Infra b.v., the same company that built the flyover. The park is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Soest Town Council has reserved 400,000 euros for the realisation of the park. Once the work and decor have been completed this will form not only a reinforcement of the green character of the village, but moreover a green link between the two parts of the village, the heart of the village and Soesterberg North and the Air Base Park.

Design Those living around the park were also consulted in the design phase. The starting point was that the roof of the tunnel should not be too heavily loaded with building work. Therefore a choice has been made for a park where it will be possible to pause and take note as well as a place to walk for both children and adults. The positioning of an aircraft, the panels and the unusual park benches will create a special place in Soesterberg. On the far side of the flyover this can already be seen. On one side of the Field Marshall Montgomery Way distinctive metal fencing has been erected, designed by a group of creative employees of Design and Engineering Bureau ipv in Delft. It is made up of open metalwork panels in which along with many trees a number of aircraft can be seen.

Donations

The monument is a citizen’s initiative and the realisation of the Soesterberg Air Force Memorial is only possible thanks to the generosity of donors. Residents, former Wolfhounds, large or small businesses, former suppliers or US companies that were once associated with this illustrious period are welcome on our donation page!

Expectations

The monument will strengthen the historical connection and awareness between Soesterberg and that memorable period between 1954 and 1994; Forty years when the 32nd Fighter Squadron of USAF provided an American presence in the village of Soesterberg.